Jesús Owono Could Face a Career-Shaking Ban After Fatal On-Pitch Collision

A challenge during a football match may have consequences far beyond the pitch for 25-year-old goalkeeper Jesús Owono. The Andorra player could face a lengthy suspension after Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel died following the incident, according to the report. Spanish media reports cited in the article say Owono could be banned for 15 matches. But that may not be the most severe outcome: the disciplinary commission is also reportedly considering withdrawing his licence to play in Spanish football, a decision that could bring his career in the country to an abrupt halt. Even a 15-match suspension would rank among the harshest penalties in Spanish football history, the report says. The previous negative record cited is the 24-match ban given to Joaquín Cortizo in 1964 after a rough challenge on Enrique Collar. The case has drawn particular attention because licence revocation is usually associated with very different circumstances, such as illegal betting, rather than an incident during play. The report says the Owono case could therefore set a significant precedent, though the disciplinary decision is still pending.